A Psychoanalytical Study of Cultural Trauma in Nayeema Mahjoor’s Lost in Terror

Abstract

The objective of this study is to examine how trauma narratives depict the experiences of Kashmiris. To realize this objective, this study conducts a textual analysis of Nayeema Mahjoor's Lost in Terror in the light of Jeffrey Alexander's theory of cultural trauma. The findings show the use of a variety of artistic devices, including vivid imagery, symbolic language, and complex characters which help to understand the traumatic history of Kashmir regarding the political engagements and social responsibilities of a suppressed community. The findings have implications for understanding the enduring impact of cultural trauma in non-Western regions and the role of literature in promoting healing and reconciliation.